What's the time limit for requesting invalid click refunds from Google?

You have 60 days per click—here's how to use them

If you suspect bots are clicking your Google Ads, time is your scarcest resource. Google's refund policy gives you 60 days from the date of each invalid click to file a manual request. Automated credits for obvious invalid traffic may appear anytime, but for the sophisticated bots that slip through Google's filters, you must submit evidence within that window.

Readiness checklist:

• Identify the exact dates and campaigns where you suspect invalid clicks.
• Collect behavioral evidence (mouse movements, session duration, click patterns).
• Confirm you are still within 60 days of the click date.
• Prepare a clear refund request via Google Ads support.

Signs to wait:

• You don't have solid evidence yet—Google will reject vague claims.
• You are still within 30 days of the clicks; gathering more data now can strengthen your case.
• You haven't ruled out internal tracking issues that might explain the anomalies.

Exception: Google may accept late requests in rare cases, but it is not guaranteed. The two-billing-cycle rule for manual investigations is firm—after that, the window is closed.

What exactly is the 60-day rule?

Google's invalid activity credit system has two tracks. The first is automatic: Google's filters detect obvious invalid clicks (like rapid repeated clicks from the same IP) and issue a credit to your account. These credits can appear weeks or months later, with no time limit. But automatic filters catch less than 50% of invalid traffic, according to industry data.

The second track is manual. When you believe Google missed the fraud, you can file a request for a refund. This manual process requires you to submit evidence. And Google only considers clicks from the most recent two billing cycles—which translates to roughly 60 days. If you wait longer, you are out of luck.

How automated credits work vs. manual requests

Automated credits:

• Applied automatically by Google for clicks it deems invalid.
• No time limit—Google can credit you months later.
• Only covers the simplest fraud (e.g., same IP clicking 50 times in a minute).

Manual requests:

• You must contact Google Ads support and provide evidence.
• Subject to the 60-day window from the click date.
• Required for sophisticated invalid traffic (SIVT) that mimics human behavior.

Most refunds from sophisticated bot traffic require a manual request. That is why the 60-day limit matters so much.

Why most advertisers miss the window

Advertisers often discover invalid traffic weeks or months after the fact—when they notice a high bounce rate, low conversion rate, or suspicious click patterns. By then, 60 days may have passed. The delay happens because:

• Google Ads reports don't flag invalid traffic clearly.
• Bots often spread clicks across many days to avoid detection.
• Advertisers assume Google's automated filters will catch everything.

If you don't have a system to monitor and document invalid clicks in real time, the 60-day window is easy to miss. That's why proactive detection is critical.

How to build a strong refund claim before the deadline

1. Detect the fraud early: Use client-side tracking that records mouse movements, scroll behavior, and session length. BotRefund's behavioral detection catches subtle signs like unnaturally straight mouse paths or superhuman click speed.
2. Capture evidence: Save the Google Click ID (GCLID) along with behavioral data. This gives you a timestamped record for each click.
3. Organize by campaign and date: Group invalid clicks by campaign, ad group, and date. Google will want to see which specific clicks are invalid.
4. Submit within 60 days: Don't wait. Even if you are still collecting data, file a preliminary request and then supplement with more evidence.

Bonus tool: To make sure you never miss the 60-day window, use our free calendar reminder generator. It creates 45-day and 55-day billing cycle alerts, so you always have time to gather evidence and submit your claim. Access the free calendar reminder generator here.

What happens after the 60-day window closes?

Once the 60-day window passes, you lose the ability to request a manual refund for those clicks. Google will not consider evidence for clicks older than two billing cycles. The only exception is if Google itself later identifies the traffic as invalid and issues an automatic credit—but that is rare for sophisticated fraud.

If you miss the window, your only option is to prevent future losses. That means implementing real-time detection and blocking, so the next round of bot clicks is caught before the 60 days expire.

Key facts about Google's invalid click refund policy

Limitations and exceptions

The 60-day rule applies to manual refund requests for clicks that Google's filters missed. If Google automatically credits your account, there is no time limit. But automatic credits are rare for sophisticated invalid traffic (SIVT) that uses residential proxies or click farms.

Exception: If you have a large account or a history of valid claims, Google's support team may occasionally accept late requests. But this is not policy, and you cannot rely on it.

Another limitation: the 60-day window is based on the click date, not the billing date. So if you notice suspicious activity in your monthly invoice, some clicks may already be older than 60 days. Check the click timestamps, not the invoice date.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if my clicks are within the 60-day window?

Check the click timestamp in your Google Ads account for each click you suspect. If the click happened more than 60 days ago, you are past the window for a manual request.

Can I get a refund for clicks older than 60 days?

Only if Google automatically credits them. You cannot manually request refunds for clicks older than two billing cycles.

Does Google notify me when it issues an automatic credit?

Yes, Google will show a line item in your billing summary labeled 'Invalid activity credit'. But it often appears weeks or months later, and you may not see it unless you check regularly.

What evidence do I need for a manual refund request?

You need to show that the clicks were not from genuine users. The best evidence includes client-side behavioral data (mouse movements, session duration, scroll activity) and IP analysis. BotRefund provides audit-ready reports with this evidence.

How long does Google take to process a manual refund request?

It varies. Some requests are resolved within a few days; others can take several weeks. The key is to submit within the 60-day window, even if the investigation takes longer.

What if I missed the 60-day window for this month's clicks?

You can't get those back, but you can set up real-time monitoring so you catch the next batch within 60 days. BotRefund's system can alert you immediately when suspicious traffic is detected.